Page 33 - 2021 Queens Economic Development Guide

What’s it like running a food business here?
It’s beautiful. I serve quintessentially American fare – burgers and beers
– and we have customers of all nationalities lining up. People are more accepting to try things they’re not accustomed to, because we live in a borough with so much diversity.
What are the benefits of being part of the Chamber?
I could write a book about Tom. But to sum it up: he is a bulldog – in the best sense. Its President, Tom Grech, has a driving passion to put Queens on the map and to ensure the Chamber is a unifying force in the borough. He does it so well. I am proud to be a part of the Chamber and to have Tom as a friend and a confidant.
“Tom Grech has a driving passion to put Queens on the map and to make sure the Chamber is a unifying force in the borough.”
— Loycent Gordon,
Neir’s Tavern Owner
What role did the Chamber play in helping to save Neir’s in 2020?
When our landlord threatened to triple our rent just before COVID, Tom
was one of the first representatives
in Queens outside of the elected officials to call me up and advise
me on trying to figure this thing out. Tom helped lead the saving of Neir’s Tavern, along with the Mayor and
the State Assembly, and was side by side for the negotiation. 48 hours later we had a handshake agreement that kept my rent affordable, while providing public funding assistance for the landlord as well. It was a win-win.
How did you fare during COVID?
During COVID, there wasn’t one single source of revenue that helped us, it was a variety of things. Take-out and delivery alone did not sustain
us. When we shut down on April 1, 2020, we went back to what we know
A LEGACY OF REMARKABLE HOSPITALITY
FOOD SERVICE • CATERING • RESTAURANTS
CONTACT SCHMIDDY LESSING
lessingsfsm.com • 631.567.8200 •
www.queenschamber.org 31